Whisper it quietly but since Paul Fletcher's appointment as managing director of Coventry City their results have gone on an upward curve.

It might just be coincidence, of course, that Micky Adams' team has benefited from a stable environment behind the scenes after a turbulent time.

Acting chairman Geoffrey Robinson drafted in Fletcher, Mal Brannigan (financial director) and Ken Sharp (marketing director) to transform the Sky Blues' fortunes off the pitch. Results have improved in a direct correlation since their arrival.

Yet Fletcher is not shouting from the rooftops. He holds a steadfast belief that his role is firmly in the background.

With more than 400 Football League appearances for Bolton Wanderers and Burnley during a 16-year career, as well as four England Under-23 caps to his name, he has more right than most to stick his oar into on-field matters.

However, the 54-year-old is firmly of the old school and believes the privacy of a dressing-room and manager's office are sacrosanct.

While he may be a gregarious character, Fletcher is under no illusions about his role at the club.

"I have made a point over the last 15 years of keeping my nose out of the manager's business," Fletcher said unequivocally, "as the last thing any manager wants is some smart-arse ex-player who thinks he knows everything putting the world to rights.

"I will keep my views to myself and only talk in positive terms.

"You need to support your manager. He is the guy in the lonely seat and he needs total support from people like myself. Even though I played football for 16 years I stay away from that side of it.

"We have a young dynamic manager in Micky Adams who has had a difficult time here while the club has been trying to put this stadium project together.

"Everyone is behind him and he is doing an excellent job."

Fletcher says that revenue streams can be increased further at the Ricoh Arena in order to supplement Adams' playing staff next season.

They are in the process of implementing a three-year plan, which they hope will end in promotion to the Premiership.

Fletcher is realistic enough to know that supporters are only concerned with on-field matters.

"The only thing that matters is what happens on the football pitch," Fletcher said.

"Let's not get too enamoured with this magnificent stadium.

"If it is a case of winning every week at Highfield Road or losing at the Ricoh, then I know what supporters would say.

"In Mel and Ken we have people with a proven track record but we don't matter, as we are only bit players.

"The debt has to be managed and it is manageable here as we have to provide money for Micky to buy players.

"There are opportunities commercially and, like it or hate it, the prawn sandwich brigade do bring finances into football clubs.

"I think we sold as many season-tickets here as we did at Highfield Road, so something is wrong.

"You can't build a stadium for 32,000 people and sell the same number of season-tickets as you did at a 22,000-capacity stadium.

"Something is fundamentally wrong there and hopefully it isn't rocket science that will put it right." n Millwall could be forced to sell players after announcing a pre-tax loss of £2.4 million for the six-month period ending last November.

The club's poor form this season - they are in 22nd position in the Coca-Cola Championship - has resulted in a decline in average attendances and has contributed to a loss £600,000 heavier than for the same period in 2004.

Millwall's losses for the equivalent six months in 2004 of £1.8 million were eased by the sale of Tim Cahill to Everton for £1.5 million in July of that year.